Egypt's head coach Hossam Hassan. AFP
Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan said fatigue and injuries took a toll on the Pharaohs during their Africa Cup of Nations semi-final defeat by Senegal, citing key absences and in-game setbacks.
Speaking ahead of Egypt’s third-place playoff against Nigeria, Hassan said the team suffered particularly from the absence of Mohamed Hamdy and the injury to Ahmed Fattouh, who was forced off at half-time.
Despite missing out on a place in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations, Hassan said he was satisfied with his players’ performances throughout the tournament and praised supporters for backing the team. He said the reaction of Egyptian fans reflected appreciation for the players’ efforts, even as expectations remained high.
During the news conference, a Moroccan journalist asked Hassan whether he was “hanging the failure on factors unrelated to football, such as the team hotel in Tangier”, and suggested Egypt had been technically weak in their attempt to reach the final. Hassan rejected the question outright, responding: “This is an disrespectful question. I will not answer you, and you do not have the manners of the media.”
Looking ahead, Hassan described the Nigeria match as “extremely tough," noting that both sides were among the favourites for the title. He said Egypt would play solely for victory, underlining the national team’s pedigree as seven-time African champions and vowing to work towards reclaiming the trophy in future editions.
Hassan thanked the players for their commitment amid fierce competition and expressed hope that more Egyptian footballers would turn professional abroad. While Egypt continues to produce strong domestic talent, he said, “professionalism will be the better path”.
He also hailed Senegal as one of the strongest teams in the tournament and on the continent, adding that Egypt matched them for long spells. Egyptian players, he said, are accustomed to pressure and remain focused on winning, expressing confidence in his squad ahead of the Nigeria clash.
Hassan concluded by extending respect to all fans at the tournament and said preparations for upcoming World Cup qualifiers had already begun, voicing hope that the team would continue to honour Egyptian football.
Egypt face Nigeria at 6pm on Saturday in the Africa Cup of Nations third-place playoff.
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